WindowBlinds 7 - Beta 1

from JoeUser Forums

We at Stardock are excited to announce the availability of WindowBlinds 7 – Beta 1 today!  WindowBlinds is an application that allows Windows users to change the visual styles (skins) of Windows Vista, XP, and now, Windows 7. 

This is the first release of WindowBlinds for Windows 7, and as of right now there are no “new” features added.  The main point of this release is to get WindowBlinds working on Windows 7, and then add the “pretty stuff” later in development.  I cannot stress this enough….this is an early beta and there are certain items that will not be skinned correctly at this time.

More info about the beta:

  • Windows 7 support
  • Compact start menus will not work
  • No semi-transparent backgrounds (for now)

Windows XP and Vista users will not notice any huge changes, this release is primarily about Windows 7.  This release requires Windows 7 Build 7100 RC.  Right now, the beta is available for Object Desktop subscribers via Impulse.  You can still get the beta by becoming a subscriber.  Visit www.objectdesktop.com for more information.

Just to give you an idea of what Windows 7 specific skins might look like, danilloOc is working on a Win7 skin that he has shared with us.

Working_stuff__by_danillooc

65,331 views 31 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

It's Live!

Report any bugs here: WindowBlinds 7 Beta Bug reports

 

Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Now for the ultimate question. Will Win 7 skins work on Vista or will they have to be adapted as XP skins have to be adapted for Vista?

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Night, reply 2
Impressive that Stardock is supporting software on an RC OS.
End of Night's quote
If it breaks, blame MS; if it works it's all due the the genius that is Neil.  :)

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If it breaks, blame MS
End of quote

 

There goes a real company man. ;P

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Will Win 7 skins work on Vista or will they have to be adapted as XP skins have to be adapted for Vista?
End of quote

 

I imagine that's going to depend on the original design of the skin, As far as I know their trying hard to provide an easy transition but doubtful it's going to perfect.

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

Now for the ultimate question. Will Win 7 skins work on Vista or will they have to be adapted as XP skins have to be adapted for Vista?
End of quote
Take a look at the Leo skin.  It has a WB7 subskin.  :)

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Take a look at the Leo skin. It has a WB7 subskin.
End of quote

Mine just has Leo and Leo(vista). Was there an update that I missed?

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I see the WIn7 leo skin. Totally fresh WB install on a totally fresh OS install.

 

could someone please lock one of these threads so there aren't multiple threads going?.....please please please......

 

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Alright I opened Impulse and I saw WB7. Should I uninstall 6 and install 7 or will it be confused if I install 7 on top?

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Hi ALMonty, no you don't need to uninstall WB 6, WB 7 is handled as a new program.

Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Thanks Philly. I downloading it now on my laptop. I use it as a guinea pig before I install on my desktop.

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Will Win 7 skins work on Vista or will they have to be adapted as XP skins have to be adapted for Vista?
End of quote

Ok, so the answer is YES. The Win7 Leo skin works fine on Vista.

Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Ok, so the answer is YES. The Win7 Leo skin works fine on Vista.
End of quote

 

That doesn't mean every skin will transition seamlessly... then again.. maybe Neil pulled off a miracle. :)

Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top

The skins I made for Vista are looking pretty good. Minor adjustments are needed but all in all not bad. Start buttons are whacky.

Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top

Is there anyway that people that can not use object desktop can get the beta to test I am legally blind and use windowblinds to make my vista easyer to use.  I would love to test it with my screan reader to see if there is a conflict and ease of use.  my impulse is show it but it will not let me download.  The people that pay for it on my computer will not let me get object desktop saying it has to much bells and whistles lol

Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top

wow

But BX wonders where to get that shiny wb???

Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Is there anyway that people that can not use object desktop can get the beta to test I am legally blind and use windowblinds to make my vista easyer to use.
End of quote
Betas are only open to ODNT subscribers.  It's oneof the benefits.

Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting BX, reply 17
wow

But BX wonders where to get that shiny wb???
End of BX's quote
It'll be released sometime in the future.

Reply #20 from Elemental Forums Top

good stuff guys, works great on my laptop!

Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
awsome!,my constant nagging worked ;)thank you Stardock! too bad I have to purchase a new subscription to ODT to use it. that has to wait some time.
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I'm assuming you have Windows 7 slider?

It's working really well here. Most recent skins I've tried only seem to require small adjustments so far. :)

Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Do you have "Show pre-release versions" checked in Impulse?